§ 57. Commander King-Hallasked the Minister of Production whether he will consider the possibility of some increase in the import of newsprint in order that newspapers and book publishers shall be able to keep the public adequately informed about the many post-war problems now being discussed?
§ Mr. LytteltonI regret that present circumstances do not permit any increase in the supply of paper and newsprint. I will, however, keep the claims of publishers in mind whenever it becomes possible to make increased supplies available in this country.
§ Commander King-HallWhen considering this question, will my right hon. Friend also think of it in terms of pulp, in view of the fact that the British paper mills are now only working at 15 per cent. capacity?
§ Mr. A. BevanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage of newsprint is having a serious effect on the production of text books for children and adolescents, and ought he not to consider this as a very urgent matter for the education and training of our people?
§ Mr. LytteltonI agree with my hon. Friend. We will increase the allocations as soon as we can, but it is not practicable at the moment.